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Why MSM May Save Your Skin This Winter

The mineral with major beauty benefits

By
Louis Boroditsky

22/10/2015

Getty Images

While chunky knits and oversized scarves might make wrapping up against autumn's drizz-mal temperatures a stylish breeze, protecting your hair and skin from blasts of icy wind and lacklustre light is an entirely different story.

Here's the unfortunate truthbomb: the threat of dry, red, chapped skin is upon us. And although you may already be preparing with richer moisturisers, hydrating hair masks and skin-saving serums, we have found another ingredient to add to your arctic arsenal.

MSM - or methylsulfonylmethane - is an easily-absorbed and naturally-occuring compound of sulphur which is abundant in both ocean and rain water. It's also a common dietary supplement, used to treat inflammation caused by joint diseases like osteoarthritis.

But the real magic begins when it is added to beauty products, significantly boosting collagen and keratin production (essential for healthy hair and nails) and calming skin conditions like eczema, acne and psoriasis.

So where do you get your (gloved) hands on this winter-friendly weapon?

OSKIA PERFECT CLEANSER, £32.50

Oskia's whole range is based around MSM, so it was difficult to choose our favourite - but their gorgeous cleansing balm is a deeply nourishing formula which restores moisture and soothes irritated, sensitive skin.

RAW GAIA BY JESSICA MSM BEAUTY SPRAY, £26.99

Raw Gaia by Jessica (which is about to be rebranded as Jessica Laura Organics) also has a dedicated MSM range, including this beauty spray, which combines MSM with vitamin-rich cold-pressed, organic argan and rosehip oils. Lightly spritz over your cleansed and toned face and neck and massage gently to give your skin a winter-proof glow.

THE ORGANIC PHARMACY ROSE PLUS ANTI-AGEING CREAM, £119.95

This potent mixture of skin-purifying rose extract, anti-ageing blackcurrant leaf and MSM helps to improve and even out skin tone, reduce pigmentation and replenish elasticity.

To receive the most effective results, The Organic Pharmacy recommends blending a small amount of cream with 1/2 - 1 pump of their Antioxidant Serum and 1 pump of Antioxidant Gel and apply every morning to damp, hydrated skin.

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